If Holy Spirit transcends the trappings of time and space, then why are some Christians still talking about slaves, warriors, battles, masters, kings, thrones, conquering nations, races and animal sacrifice? If Christ is eternal, then why do we keep associating Him with the cultural limitations of his temporal life on earth?

I attend a fundamentalist church because I find spiritual release in the enthusiasm and music of its members. I appreciate their focused faith and the uninhibited way in which they express their closeness with the Source. I like the idea of speaking in tongues. To me, it means that there is an exquisite force sustaining us, and it is far bigger than our confused little human minds. This Energy is even powerful enough to override temporal intellectual notions. I have often wondered how people who are so free in worship style and demonstrate nearly the same enthrallment found at a hippy love-in, can be so narrow in their understanding of the physical and the spirit world. I have gotten practiced at avoiding our differences of opinion, and of keeping my mouth shut. Sometimes it hurts me though, that the divine is still so enmeshed with cultural and political issues.

During the time of Christ’s earth manifestation, the human population was not even aware that the earth was round. The area around the Fertile Crescent was the universe. As always, nations were fighting one another for supremacy. Their political problems of the era were similar to ones that we have now, only theirs just happened to take place during the era of Christ’s time on earth. Fundamentalists seem to assume that the trappings of that physical place and time are one and the same with an eternal, spiritual code. They are focusing on content rather than context. The content is only an example of that particular era in history, but those same references to master, servant, throne, king, slave and chosen nation are used to describe the whole Christian religion as it is even today.

How are we ever going to get beyond the “us-them” mentality, the “my God is better than your God” confusion and the “God’s gonna get you” understanding of the divine? Please. Let’s leave nations and wars and politics and customs and rituals and social order out of religion. I know there is a Holy Spirit, or else why would a physical body be given the grace to automatically heal itself? But the Holy Spirit of my world is completely above fleeting, physical human issues. Until everyone accepts this fact, there will always continue to be wars and murders cloaked as “God sanctioned endeavors” and we will never truly aspire to a level higher than that of human fallibility, and we will continue to escape any responsibility for our faults by saying, “God, (Daddy) made us this way.”

If you want to know the truth, I believe gender is a superficial attribute as well. Simply because Christ manifested as a human male does not have to mean that the Holy Spirit is incapable of manifesting in any other manner. Fundamentalists are still trapped at the physical level on this issue too, but I will save that idea for another article.

Related items

• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Christian Dating Match Advise
• Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?

Will the real Christian please stand up……. – By: Victor King

” Call yourself a Christian! “…… ” What kind of Christian are you? “…..” Hypocrite “…” He is not a good Christian “…..” She is so proud but she goes to church “……” I cant believe he is a Christian “…..” Such a disgrace to Christianity “…..

” Lousy Christian “…….” He is so rude but he goes to church “…… ” Worldly Christian “……” I was so shock to find out she is a Christian! “….. ” Sometimes Christians can be the worst “…..” I had a bad experience with that Christian “….” He is not fit to be a Christian “….”What kind of a Christian leader is he? “…..” He is a Christian but he smokes “….” .She gossips about people and she goes to church “…. “I’m so ashamed to call him a Christian”…..” He is a Christian but speaks a lot of vulgar words “…” They are not good Christians “…” What kind of testimony does he carry as a Christian “…” She is a Christian who does not go to church “…” Anti-Nomians “…” She is not worthy to be a Christian “…” So shameful, they are from a Christian family “.. ” She wears so much of make-up just to go to church”…..”They attend church but they are homosexuals”……

Sounds familiar???

Oh, I could go on and on but these are the words that were used to on Christians for many years till today. Why is there such a heavy burden for Christians? You rarely or would have never heard these words on people from other religions, if they do or say something Wrong, he / she as an individual would be criticized but not their religion, most of the time. But when a Christian does or say something wrong, they and their religion are being criticized and condemned. Is there a very high expectation on Christians? Is Christianity that hard?

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28

” Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest… [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] ”

Many of us think that ‘Christians’ are good and moral ones. We think that we have to be good in thoughts, deeds and words all the time. This could be our idea or other people’s perspective of Christianity – JESUS IS GOOD so we have to be good. We have to be a good example’s of JESUS; we are the ambassadors of CHRIST. We Christians have to be loving, kind, patient, generous, respectful, obedient, responsible, soft spoken, gentle, joyful, well mannered, faithful and many other good and moral deeds all the time. Many Christians suffers from great condemnation within because they think they have to be good and moral most of the time to show that they are good Christians.

They think that Christianity depends on their moral deeds and when they can’t come up to that standard or they fail to do so, they condemn themselves and moreover people condemn them and the accuser, Satan also condemns them. How not to loose?! Usually most of them who feel condemned and think that they cannot come up to the standard of this “Christian Religion “, in due time they leave church or back slide.

Nothing wrong with being good or moral. I will show in a whiles time that you don’t have TRY to be good but you have No choice but you would Want to be good but this time not in your goodness but Through HIS goodness with the help of the Holy Spirit. I’m sure the Holy Spirit does a Better work…Think about it.

So who are Christians???

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me [essentially and perfectly morally] good? There is no one essentially and perfectly morally good–Except God alone”- Mark 10:18

Christians are not good ones, moral ones or perfect ones……Christians simply means Anointed Ones.

( CHRIST ? ORIGIN Greek Khristos ?Anointed one’ – )

” True Christians are Anointed ones; their Names expresses this: they are Anointed with GRACE, with gifts and spiritual privileges, BY the Holy Spirit of Grace” (Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible)

“It is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us in joint fellowship with you in Christ, and HE has consecrated and Anointed us, enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit” – 2 Corinthians 1:21.

We are Anointed to be moral and good in thoughts, words and deeds. You know what I’m talking about, there was time when you use to have a certain bad habit (being rude, selfish, proud, vulgar, impatient, hot tempered, gossiping, lustful, ignorant, inconsiderate, lazy etc….) and now “suddenly” or “out of nowhere” you don’t have it anymore or it is less active in your life.

Most of the time we don’t how to explain or we never expected to be the person that we are now. It is the Holy Spirit that changed us. The bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…. – Galatians 5:22 (NIV). Have you noticed it says ‘ the Fruit of The Spirit….. ‘ It does not say the fruit of your spirit or the fruit of the evil spirit. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is in you that gives you the qualities or the abilities to be good, do good and talk good. JESUS Himself was Anointed by GOD, ” How God Anointed and Consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit with strength, ability and power; how He went about Doing good….”-Acts 10:38. How much more us.

The Holy Spirit is the One who does the good work through us and I’m sure HE will do a better job, amen.

Relationship takes time

Many of us venture to say that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. Did you know that a relationship takes time? GOD wants to love, fellowship, help and transform us unto HIS image in our Christian walk. Walking is a journey and journey takes time. We think that once we become a Christian, we immediately have to leave behind our bad habits, be holy, stay away from worldly people, worldly songs, movies, books and not dress up like the world. We even quote scriptures like “we are in this world but not of the world” and we are expected to change as soon as possible.

Now as a Christian we have to the read the bible, pray for many hours, go to church, lift up our hands, say “hallelujah” and start tithing. We also think that since we are “good, moral and faithful” people of God, we need to serve GOD. Once again, nothing wrong with all of these but if you have to do it or if you are obligated because this is your perception of being a Christian then its nothing more than religion and behavior modification. GOD does not want that, HE wants relationship and life transformation.

That’s why HE gave the Holy Spirit to help us live our lives. Whatever happened to this verse??.” It is no longer I who live but it’s Christ (Anointed) who Lives through me”. I love what Jesus said in John 16:7, ” I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you into close fellowship with you; but if I go away, I will send Him to you to be in close fellowship with you – John 16:7.

JESUS wants to have a close fellowship with us. When we know that we respond back not being obligated but with love. Now, we don’t Need (obligated) to read the bible but we Want to. We will start doing things that we WANT to not need to. Other religion will Need to do their prayers, devotions and many other stuffs for their gods but we don’t need to do it. We would Want to. We cant help it. We are in love with our God who lives inside us. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship and love.

” For without Me you can do Nothing” – John 15:5 (NKJV)

Only JESUS can make you to be the person that HE wants you to be. You can’t do it by yourself. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do Nothing. – John 15:5 (NKJV) Don’t be baffled or disappointed when a Christian does or say something wrong. They are just Anointed Ones. Christians have the Anointing to be better people. If we say that being ‘in this world and not of the world means to be good and moral then I know alot of people of other religions who are good and moral or even better behaved than Christians. So are we trying to say that they are also in the world but not of the world?

The Only thing that we Christians have that makes us ‘not of the world’ is the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. That’s the only explanation that can’t be argued. Anything else then this, could be compared to people of other religions. We have the Anointing of God’s Spirit. I have heard people saying that you have to be very nice, friendly and loving so people will know that you are a Christian. So does Christianity depend on our goodness? People are attracted to Christians not because of their goodness but because of the favor of GOD and HIS goodness that is in them.

For some reason people like Christians. Its a supernatural attraction. They are attracted by God’s supernatural Favor or Grace.

Anointed to be Capable….

The bible is not cookbook. If you don’t follow the recipe according to the cookbook then the food would not be good likewise many of us think that if we don’t follow whatever the bible says then we are not good Christians. The bible is not meant to be followed. If we just need a book to tell us what to do and what not to do then JESUS does not have to come and die for us. We could have just followed the Torah or the law old testament, which no one could keep up to it.

Someone might argue by saying that there are many scriptures in the Gospel’s that tells us to follow like ‘ Love our enemies and to do good to those who hate you – Luke 6:27, Let not your heart be troubled… – Matthew 6:34, Casting your cares upon HIM…. – 1 Peter 5:7, In the world you have tribulation, trials, distress and frustration; but be of Good cheer… – John 16:33, Let all bitterness and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And become useful, helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you – Ephesians 4:31-32 and many other verses that tells us to follow or even when we are in church our Pastor tells us things to do or to follow.

Thank GOD for all these verses but it is not meant for us to follow. We need to understand that the bible is not a book of rules and regulations to follow (law) but it is there for us to know who we are in Christ, what we have in Christ and what Christ can do through us. When you read verses like ? Let not your heart be troubled, Casting your cares to the Lord and other verses from the Gospels, it simply means the You are Capable of doing it. You are capable of forgiving, casting your cares, not letting your heart be troubled, not worrying, praying in tongues and many other things that the bible tells us to do. We are capable of doing it because we are Anointed. The Holy Spirit Helps us to do it. The next time if Pastor tells you to believe, to confess, to rest, to pray, to forgive or any other things. GOD is trying to tell through your Pastor that you are capable of doing it because his Spirit is you and HE will make you to do it.

You don’t have to follow it (obligated) because the Holy Spirit will help you and teach you in all things, ” But the Comforter ( Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will Teach you ALL things. And He will CAUSE you to Recall ( will Remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. – John 14:26.

You don’t have to stress yourself by thinking how to follow what the bible says or what our Pastor says. You are capable of doing it because the Holy Spirit is inside you.

Let’s say, a billionaire marries a daughter of beggar, she don’t have to try to become rich. She is capable and she has no choice but to become rich. She will start to walk, talk and dress like a rich person. Though it takes time, she will be a different person. As time goes on, she is no more thinking as a daughter of a beggar but as a wife of a billionaire How much more when the Holy Spirit who lives in you. As time goes on, we start to think, talk and act like Jesus.

We are capable of becoming healthy, wealthy, moral and many other things that bible says that we can be. You don’t have to try to be good, you have no choice but to become good because the Good Shepherd lives inside you and you will start doing good and moral things out of HIS goodness that HE has placed and stored in your heart. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart “- Luke 6:45

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, helpless] ” – John 14:18

Relax and let Christ live through you, amen

Related items

• Christian Time Warp
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Christian Dating Match Advise
• Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?

Tradition, Religion Of Christian Churches

Christianity is the form of religion where people follow Christian denomination. To preach the Christian religion, people use to go for prayers in Christian church. Christian church are the worldwide traditions which represents the Christian faiths, preaches, worship, religion and saying of the god Jesus Christ. Christian church can be seen world wide and finds to be world wide spread religion. The followers of Christianity find a church through online church directory or any other church directory and make their prayers valuable. Online directory comprises of pictures, maps and other description about different Christian churches.

Christianity is spread world wide by the followers by preaching to the people regarding the religion, faith and saying of the god and also regarding the lord Jesus Christ. Christian churches can be classified as Catholic Church, Baptist church and Pentecostal church which comes up with different Christian church history church growth. Local church can be finded out in church directory for different states and different Christian classification. Christian church can be called or referred in different terms as it concept different for each individual.

Christian church expresses the ideas of different people and makes those ideas as shared one. They also share the faith, religion, saying with regards to the prayers and also bind with Christianity. Christian church comes up with wide church history and at also regarding its origin. Christian church finds its origin in roman and after realizing the value it has been spread world over. A Christian church becomes more important and essential place, which helps them to feel relaxed and share their thoughts and feelings with other people in the church.

Roman Catholic Church, Apostolic church, Lutheran church, charlotte church, Episcopal Church, Florida church, US church, Washington church and many other kinds of Christian church are available for people to have their prayers and services.Nowadays, large number of people started realizing the purpose and need of the religion Christianity and started going for different churches placed in different places and states. Even if people finds difficult to find out the church they required, they can seek the help of church finder or church ministry or through online church directory.

There are local churches available to facilitate the people with their prayers. Though Christian churches are classified as Baptist church, Pentecostal church and Catholic Church, they form under Christian churches. Generally, most of the people provide services to create broad Christian services and to have best resources for finding the local church or foreign churches located in different places of world. Church list are available and any festival are listed in the church to make the people share their joy and sorrow in church.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Muslim Marriage – a Relationship Which Symbolizes Islam and Love
• Baptism Invites
• Understanding the African Traditional Religion

Related items

• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?
• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Christian Dating Match Advise

The Mormon religion teaches that Jesus is the Christ and Savior of the world just as other Christian religions do. Based on the definition of “Christian” from the Dictionary.com a Christian is a person who “professes belief in Jesus Christ” and “manifests the qualities or spirit of Jesus”.

Thus a true Christian is one that believes in and acts like Christ. “Faithful members of the Church, called Saints or Latter-day Saints, qualify clearly in both characteristics. In our belief and our action, we demonstrate that ‘Jesus Christ himself [is] the chief corner stone’ of our faith.

1) Christ asked His followers to pattern their lives after His. Thus true followers of Christ must be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

2) The Mormon religion teaches its members to become like Christ through love and service. Which is a big reason that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have paid clergy but relies on the service of its members.

The Mormon religion focuses on families. Believing that this basic unit of society is also the basic unit of eternity. It is within families that people learn how to love and be loved as well as other basic Christian values such as hard work, service, honesty, faith, and prayer.

Within the walls of Mormon temples and through special priesthood sealing powers families can be bound together for time and all eternity.

Mormon religion teaches that, “The purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help all of the children of God understand their potential and achieve their highest destiny… Our understanding of the nature and purpose of God the Eternal Father explains our destiny and our relationship in his eternal family.”

“Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them… As earthly parents we participate in the gospel plan by providing mortal bodies for the spirit children of God. The fullness of eternal salvation is a family matter.”

3) The biggest thing that sets the Mormon religion apart from other Christian religions is their belief in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon, as the cover states, is “another testament of Christ”.

The prophet Joseph Smith translated it from gold plates, which he received from the angel Moroni. The Book of Mormon contains a record of the inhabitants of the American continents and Christ’s visit to them after his resurrection.

At the end of the Book of Mormon is a challenge for all those that read the Book of Mormon. It states, “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

4) If the Book of Mormon is a true book then the other aspects of the Mormon religion that many find hard to believe must be true as well. Namely that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.

That he truly did see God the Father and His son Jesus Christ in a vision. That he was instrumental in restoring Christ’s true church upon the earth today.

One must also believe that a prophet leads the Mormon Church today. But the Mormon religion does not want blind followers. The Church teaches men and women to pray and know for themselves whether: the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet, the Church is led by a prophet today, and the principles taught by the Church are true.

Thus members of the Mormon religion must gain a testimony for themselves of the truthfulness of the restored gospel of Christ.

Citations:

(1) Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Christians in Belief and Action,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 70
(2) “Bible,” James 1:22
(3) Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84
(4) “Book of Mormon,” Moroni 10:4-5

Other interesting sites about Mormonism:

www.lightplanet.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.whymormonism.org
www.mormonolympians.org
www.understandingmormonism.org
www.familiesforever.com
www.meetmormonmissionaries.org
www.blacklds.org
www.mormoncentral.com

Related items

• Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• Strengthening Christian Faith
• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up

While living in this sinful earth, Christian people are still waiting for Jesus resurrection. This is the second time when Jesus will go down to this earth. Many people called it the doomsday, the end of this world. At the promised time, He will come to judge people and decide who are proper to stay in Heaven and who are have to be sent into eternal damnation. This promise is written in holy bible to make people keep aware in this waiting time.

To keep of this promise, there is Crunch Organization that put their attention into new life. This movement called Jesus church and that have many agencies and branch organizations in many countries. To learn more you may visit Ucg.org. As the bible gospel, they also sanctify Sabbath as the day to serve God. It means you have to go to Church and pray. If you need more explanation about their theory and God resurrection, you may call their international line at (513) 576-9796.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Differences Between “religion & Deen (islam)”

Related items

• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• 5 Most Influential Biblical Scholars Of This Decade

Marianne Meye Thompson

Marianne Meye Thompson is known for her focus on theological discussions as they relate to Biblical interpretations. This is far from her only contribution to the field, however. She is known for her dedication to precision in her Biblical study. Her emphasis on research methodology lends to her work a level of excellence that is not often seen.

More than that, she passes this level of precision on to her students. She is known for providing the constructive criticism that allows her students at all levels to elevate their work. She teaches her students to ask the right questions, to make the most of their resources, and to build logical arguments that hold up under close scrutiny.

Paula Fredriksen

Paula Fredriksen has a teaching technique that engages her students and enlivens her own work. She asks questions that lead her students to think in new and exciting ways instead of adhering solely to questions that are already thought to have answers. By questioning assumptions, she deepens the understanding of all who read her works or take her classes.

Adela Yarbro Collins

Adela Yarbro Collins has produced some great works in the field of apocalyptic literature. Her socio-historical take on this field is a definite contribution. When it comes to apocalyptic thought and social history, she is a source of thoughts that have the ability to educate many.

Martha Himmelfarb

Martha Himmelfarb specializes in apocalyptic literature. Her works regarding apocalyptic thought have shed new light on old topics. Her ability to discuss this realm of Biblical scholarship in a specific way sets her apart from many of her peers. She manages to maintain her grasp on symbolism to the extent that she produces interpretations that have their foundations in pure logic. This is a rare skill indeed and is helpful to those who find symbolism, visionary symbolism specifically, a challenge.

Margaret M. Mitchell

Margaret M. Mitchell has an ability to take Greco-Roman literature and relate it to her Biblical scholarship efforts that is astounding. She takes this topic and ties it in with the New Testament. Her gift for impressive tie-ins does not end there. She even takes items plucked out of popular culture and works them into this study with a skilled yet almost effortless grace.

These 5 most influential Biblical scholars of this decade have all contributed to the field in multiple ways. They have communicated through their personal works and through their incalculable impact on their students. The field of Biblical study would not be what it is today without them. Their influence is sure to reach far beyond this one decade into Biblical study for years to come.

Thomas Rheinecker blogs about how to choose among Bible colleges.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Adoption Laws In Islam: Some Issues

Related items

• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Believe in Jesus

24-7 ChristianNews.com is a complete and recent source of Christian-related stories in America and around the planet.

24-7 ChristianNews.com reaches the Christian culture thru the Net. We offer Christian stories from a large range of areas including Church, Ministries, Revival, Daily Devotionals and much more.

24-7 ChristianNews.com is a non-denominational Christian media source that doesn’t promote or demote any Christian denomination or congregation.

We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in 3 people : the Dad , the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that man was created in the picture of God, but because of sin, was divided from God. That alienation can be removed only by accepting thru religion God’s gift of deliverance which was made feasible by Christ’s death.

We believe the Bible is God’s written revelation to man and that it is verbally electrified, authoritative, and without error in the first manuscripts.

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our redemption, bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven and His return to earth in power and glory.

We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He performs the miracle of the new birth in an unbeliever and indwells followers, enabling them for ministry and letting them live a godly life.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Related items

• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Believe in Jesus

Christian Dating Match doesn’t always have to be a complicated affair. There are several reasons why a relationship becomes complicated. Often times, relations and dating gets advanced because of different points of view.

When you consider this a little deeper, you understand that the difference in points of view are caused by different cultural backgrounds, different religions, and different family values. It is vital to understand another’s value and belief system right from the onset. Otherwise, the relationship is just waiting for disaster to happen.

When you do that, the distance between you and your date will be less. It is definitely easier to bond with someone who shares similar perspectives, morals and religious ideology.

naturally, different folk have different interpretations of the same religion. As an example, one Christian may interpret the Bible differently from another Christian. But that is’s okay. While we seek God first and have religion in Him we are on the correct path. And after all it is more engaging and fun when buddies don’t think exactly the same way. Individuality makes us unique.

Still, it’s critical to find dating partners that do not live in different worlds. Having different opinions is fine. But having completely opposite view points can lead to fights, quarrels, and finally, break ups. Break ups can be stressful and rather agonizing. For sure, you do not need that to happen to you.

So if you are a Christian, start by attempting to date other Christians. One awfully effective way is to get to know more friends through Christian dating websites.

When you join a Christian dating match web site and you start to make chums, you find that you instantly have some common ground. You can talk about the church that you go to, and what are the newest activities that are going on in your church. Then slowly, bit by bit, you can progress to chat about more personal issues like your family, your buddies, your faculty, your work, and so on. These activities will bring 2 individuals closer together. It’s harder to get that going when you can’t find common ground.

First, you’ll need to register at the site and create your profile. Your profile let others learn more about you.

Once your profile has been made, you can search for other Christians that you want to meet. Who knows, you can just find the love of your life in just a couple of days!

Related items

• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?

Human beings are a complicated mix. For example, we are quite social and operate in groups … yet, we are also unique, individual units. Some activities are correctly pursued in group, but some pursuits must be solo. As Christians, we become part of the body of Christ – yet, we remain an individual. God says it this way: “You are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” Furthermore, He distributes spiritual gifts “to each one individually just as He wills” and places “the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desire(s)” (1Cor 12:11,18 and 27). Those in this group actually have their individuality enhanced – by imparted gifts. But, … let’s move back a step.

The most important, the most crucial, indeed the most non-negotiable of all solo actions, centers on the salvation issue. This matter begins and ends with the individual and the Creator. There is no activity more solo. And it puts us in the weakest of positions because “all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb 4:13). It’s no wonder we hide “in the trees” like Adam – looking for cover (Gen 3:8). It is ironic that the shield of choice is often … religion.

The only religion I am interested in discussing here is the Christian religion.

The Christian Religion

In my mind, the Christian religion and the Christian faith are two different things. It is not imperative that you adopt my demarcation between the two, but if you think (for this moment) in the framework I am presenting, the following discussion will make more sense. When I think of religion, I think; “ceremony, ritual, dogma – and formulas for these things.” When I think of faith, I think; “inquiry, study, knowledge – and persuasion of what is true.”

Using this definition, the Christian religion … is easy. Formulas are presented that lead one to salvation, then directives are clearly defined for “good” Christian living. Altar calls, confirmations, or baptisms are soon followed by church membership, tithing, and the church calendar.

It is a natural weakness for man to fall into religion. The reason is really quite simple. Religion tells the follower everything he/she must do. The directives are not to be questioned – just obeyed – and everything will be fine. Many people feel like they have actually accomplished something by following religious orders. This has great appeal for the participant – and often provides great comfort. But, this comfort does not end in life.

The Christian religion rests on two primary pillars. First, those in the pew are sheep who must be led. And the second pillar is (you guessed it) – the leaders. They are to be obeyed. Two huge blunders are created by this model. For starters, Christians – as sheep – is a “figure of speech” (Jn 10:6). Sheep are depicted as naive, defenseless and quite dumb (However, they only answer to the trustworthy voice of their master … and ignore a stranger’s voice [Jn 10: 1-5,16,27]. People would do well to imitate this. They often follow “strange voices” … who lead them into death). But, where does Ezekiel’s verse fit in the “dumb sheep” analogy? “‘As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord” (Ezek 34:31). This is consistent with Paul’s admonition to the wayward Corinthians: “in your thinking be mature … Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1Cor 14:20 and 16:13). Where is it that God calls His children – to be stupid sheep?

Secondly, the leaders of the Christian religion are exempted from this “figure of speech”. They are over the dumb sheep. But, they themselves … are not dumb sheep. One of the most oft quoted passages supporting this position comes from Hebrews: “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Heb 13:17). At first glance, it does appear the religion model is accurate – sheep are supposed to obey leaders. But, a simple language lesson will demand a closer scrutiny.

This English translation (from Koine Greek) contains at least three problems.

First, in the English translation: “Obey” is a verb in the active voice. But in Koine Greek, this is a verb in the passive voice. The passive voice means the subject is acted upon – not doing the action. The actual word translated, “obey” (peitho) has several potential meanings (just as English words do). The root meaning of “peitho” is “persuasion.” Blind obedience is outside the circle.

Second, in the English translation: “leaders” is a noun. But, this is a participle in the Greek – not a noun. A participle is a verbal adjective. There is a huge difference between “the leading ones” and “leaders.” In this instance, “the leading ones” refers to the more mature Christians “of you all” (a plural genitive). They seek to persuade the less mature by instruction and example – and call for imitation. “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1 – and this is the Apostle Paul … to the Corinthians!).

Third, in the English translation: “to them” is a prepositional phrase. This is not in the Greek at all and should just be forgotten.

Hebrews 13:17 should be translated more like this: “You must allow yourselves to be persuaded by the leading ones of you all … and yield.” The less mature are commanded to allow themselves to be persuaded (passive) by the more mature among them – and then yield to accurate handling of the word of God (doctrine and lifestyle) – not to them. This is totally consistent with all the other foundational Biblical injunctions of the Christian faith. “Examine everything; adhere to that which is good” (1Thes 5:21). The Bereans “were more noble minded than those in Thessolonica … examining the Scriptures daily” to see if Paul’s assertions were correct (Acts 17:11). “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2Cor 13:5).

Those who are leading must account for how they led. But, they are not responsible for wrong choices by their listeners (assuming they had led correctly). Paul was not guilty before God for the errant choices of the wayward Corinthians or the bewitched Galatians. Their choices did bring him grief … but not guilt.

I cannot explain why translators have so fouled this passage from Hebrews. If you can find a Greek scholar who can explain this – let me know (“Peithesthe” is not a middle deponent verb to be translated active either). By the way, Jesus did talk about leaders one time. “Do not be called leaders; for One is your leader – Christ” (Mt 23:10). Does He need to repeat Himself?

The Christian Faith

This arises when individual circumstances converge on a person – forcing an intense search … for the Creator. While God may use people, or even some of the structures of religion as cited above, these things are secondary (at best). The Christian faith is the search for God. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God – for the living God” (Ps 42:1,2). Furthermore, He tells us, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13). This is hard. In fact, I don’t think we can really know when we have truly sought Him with all of our heart. Duplicities, known and unknown, infest us.

God calls people to the Christian faith. He calls them … one by one. No one can get into heaven on the coattails of another. Adhering to the greatest of preachers … will not work. Supporting, or participating in, the most fruitful Christian church … will not move God to accept that one. Even following hard on the heels of the most devout of mothers … will not usher one into glory. There is but One Advocate before God the Father who can make a successful case for one’s inclusion into His favor (1Jn 2:1). And one must deal with Him solo. Nothing we will ever undertake is more solo – and absolutely necessary.

The extreme emergencies of life … are faced alone. The only One who can help us – is God. When Stephen was being stoned to death, he needed Christian faith – not some version of Christian religion (Acts 6 and 7). Our situation will be different, but the reality of need will be the same. The Christian faith is spiritual independence from man … and total spiritual dependence upon Jesus Christ.

Related items

• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches
• Strengthening Christian Faith
• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up

As an ideal Christian person, it is our prime duty to spread god’s sayings in all over the world. On the other hand, it does not matter whether we are Christian or from other religion. As a human being, we must know the ultimate gist of all religions. In the revolutionary era of information-technology, the task has become quite easier. The website like nzchristianfoundation.org.nz is determined to provide a new dimension to such aesthetic spirituality.

We have heard the word ‘Evangelism’ and organization like ‘New Zealand Christian Foundation’ is ideally practicing it. In spite of so many contributions to the society, Christian faith is still countering good amount of opposition from communists, theological radicals, gays, and even there are some Christians who hate the Christian faith. Hence, the Christian society needs many foundations like New Zealand Christian Foundation.

The foundation with the help of its website is brilliantly capitalizing the virtues of “world wide web”. Certainly, internet has made the ‘evangelism’ quite easier than never before. Evangelism is an ultimate tool to establish the Christian faith in the strongest way. The biggest one subject to counter through ‘evangelism’ is the term ‘Solas’. A common man loves to pay regard to ‘Bible’ as the book of God’s word but as soon as the ‘sola’ portion appears, perception changes because it sets forth the Bible as the only book for god’s word.

Basically, people realize that there are large numbers of books accepted as the god’s word. Though, they are contradicting with each other at the certain specific points. So, people want to narrow it down and pick only those words what they wish to follow. On the other hand; people hate ‘gospel-proclaiming Bible based stream of the Christian faith’ because it prohibits human inclination towards lust of flesh, lust of eyes and pride of life as well.

In contemporary circumstances, people love to practice inclusive approach irrespective of creeds and believe. They respect ‘Christ’ but have doubt in its stature as the only savior. They state that faith and grace can not be the only way for justification and salvation. If the things are so then people will come back empty handed from the doors of God.

Related items

• The Mormon Religion is a Christian Faith
• Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?
• Christian Time Warp
• Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up
• Tradition, Religion of Christian Churches